APPLICATION OF THE POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION FOR THE DETECTION OF HIVIN SPECIMENS FROM NEWBORN SCREENING PROGRAMS

The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) permits detection of HI V proviral DNA in the universally collected ''dried blood spot specime ns'' of newborn screening programs. Detection of HIV proviral DNA amon g the annual cohorts of seropositive specimens from ongoing anonymous newborn HIV seroprevalence studies can provide a laboratory-based esti mate of maternal-infant transmission rates. Preliminary data suggest t hat maternal-infant transmission rates may be higher in areas where th e newborn seroprevalence rates are highest.